Stringent measures towards road and traffic safety like mandatory competence test for new licence holders, introduction of penalty for violations by pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles, guardians be held responsible for juvenile driving resulting in any accident and electronic mode for monitoring traffic offences have been recommended by a Parliament Standing Committee.
In view of road rage reports with some instances of fire arms being used, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport in its report on 'Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016' has suggested for a law to restrict carrying of licenced fire arms in private vehicles.
While the parliamentary panel has stated to treat death due to drunken driving as culpable homicide not amounting to murder, it has suggested that traffic violators may be asked to spend time in emergency surgical OPDs to understand the consequences. Other provisions by the panel include scientific investigation of accidents; penalty for road contractors and concessionaires for faulty design and make ambulances available in every 30 KMS.
The panel headed by lok Sabha member Mukul Roy has also recommended driving licence to be obtained anywhere in state. While it has prescribed strict guidelines for dealers to get vehicle registration, the panel has recommended Government authorized training for mega vehicles carrying hazardous goods.
It has also suggested a policy for recycling outdated vehicles and exempt permits for commercial vehicles used for last mile connectivity, rural transport. The panel suggested for freedom to states to have their own taxi policy and that central guideline can't be binding on them and an increase in fine for unauthorised person using vehicle from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000.
In view of reports of calling back vehicles by auto companies, it has asked that auto companies should compensate consumers for recalling vehicle, reimburse total cost of vehicle found faulty.
Noting that RTOs are "den of corruption" and vehicle dealers are indulged in malpractices, the panel also recommended making registration of vehicles by dealers optional to states and framing of strict guidelines for auto retailers.
The 31-member committee noted that a number of state governments are unhappy with the functioning of vehicle dealers as they are under-invoicing, overcharging customers on logistics/handling charges, taking extra insurance premium and indulging in other malpractices.
On the proposal for producing vehicle before the registering authority, the Committee recommended that it should not be made mandatory to be followed by all states and also recommended that it may be implemented in such a way that the regional and local needs are effectively addressed and the dealers may not be able to manipulate the system or vehicle configuration to suit their needs.